“Injuries are among the most under-recognized public health problems facing the United States today. About 20 children die every day from a preventable injury – more than die from all diseases combined. Injuries requiring medical attention or resulting in restricted activity affect approximately 20 million children and adolescents and cost $17 billion annually in medical costs”. - CDC Injury Report

Keeping our youngest patients/children safe can be especially challenging as healthy development requires opportunity to explore their environment and learn. However, most injuries are preventable. The following information and resources are organized by the leading causes of unintentional injury death among infants through age 8.

Suffocation and Sleep Related Deaths

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the leading cause of injury death in infancy. Sleep is a big challenge for families with babies but following safe sleep recommendations can prevent many SUID fatalities. Help the families in your practice learn how their babies can sleep safely so parents can sleep soundly.

Drowning

Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Drowning is the single-leading cause of death among children aged 1-4, and a top cause of death among teens.

Child Passenger Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children and youth older than 4 years. Each year, more than 5000 children and adolescents under the age of 21 years die in crashes. For every death, approximately 18 children are hospitalized and more than 400 receive medical treatment of injuries sustained in a crash.

Last Updated

12/21/2021

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics